Flames were not shooting through the metal roof of the stone structure, but were licking from under the eaves, Roberts said.

The resident of the house was not at home at the time of the fire. Roberts said the flames were under control by 7:30 a.m., but he expected firefighters to stay on the scene for a couple hours to watch for rekindling.

There were no other homes threatened by the flames, but Roberts said a wood shed containing an antique car was within 15 feet of the rear of the home. Firefighters kept flames from spreading to the shed, he said.

Firefighters had to shuttle water from a hydrant four miles away, Roberts said, while trying to not impede school bus routes.

“The 30 mph winds we’re battling right now is the problem,” the captain said.

Wind whips the flames even hotter, Roberts said, and disrupts streams of water aimed at the blaze.

“It makes us have to get closer, which places us in more danger,” Roberts said.